Sierra DawsonDenver is defined by its strong sense of community and outdoor spirit, but behind the beautiful mountain views are neighbors who need our help.
That’s why I spent time looking into the local nonprofit landscape. I wanted to identify the best charities in Denver that are making a measurable difference right now.
From providing medical housing to preparing customized meals for the sick, these organizations offer powerful ways to give back and support our city’s most vulnerable residents.
Volunteering is a powerful activity that can have more of an impact on your day than visiting museums or art galleries around town. So let’s dive in.
How much does charity involvement cost in Denver?
Getting involved with Denver nonprofits ranges from completely free volunteer opportunities to thousands of dollars for corporate sponsorships and events.
| Type of Opportunity | Estimated Cost |
| Individual Volunteering | Free to $30 (admin/background check fees) |
| Donation Pickup Services | $80+ |
| Group & Corporate Volunteer Days | $1,000 – $2,500+ (sponsorship fee) |
| Individual Monetary Donations | Flexible ($1 – $10+ for specific impacts) |
| Membership & Training Fees | ~$75 annually |
| Fundraising Event Tickets | $15 – $200+ per ticket |
1. Denver Ronald McDonald House
Website: https://rmhc-denver.org/
Address: 1300 E 21st Ave, Denver, CO 80205
Contact: (303) 832-2667
Hours: Available 24/7
Imagine being away from home because your child’s in the hospital; that’s where Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) steps in to help.
They offer a really hands-on volunteer experience where you can directly support families by cooking meals and hosting fun activity nights. It’s incredibly moving to see how much a simple taco bar or a craft night can lift the spirits of parents.
You get to be the person who makes their day just a little bit easier.
The only real catch is that if you want to be an individual, on-site volunteer at the front desk, they ask for a commitment of at least two shifts a month for six months.
This makes it a bit tough if you’re just looking for a quick, one-time gig to fill a Saturday afternoon.
Customer Reviews:
Home Away From Home
Ronald McDonald House is home away from home and a sanctuary when it is needed most. The mission is keeping families together while children receive medical care. I don’t know how we could have coped without a place to stay that was near the hospital. This is an awesome charity worthy of support and donations.
- Laurie K | Google Review
Lucky Enough To Stay Here
I had preemie triplets and was lucky enough to stay here and be close to the hospital so I could see them regularly while they were in the Nicu. The staff was pleasant and it was a nice atmosphere. Everyone I ran across was pretty respectful of the other people staying there. If I ever come into a lot of money, I will donate to this organization. It helps so many families going through tough emotional times.
- Nicole Forget | Google Review
2. The Gathering Place
Website: http://www.tgpdenver.org/
Address: 1535 High St, Denver, CO 80218
Contact: [email protected] ; (303) 996-9067
Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm; Tuesday: 8:00am – 1:30pm
Walking into this space feels different because the atmosphere is built on mutual respect and dignity. At The Gathering Place (TGP), volunteers are treated as true partners in care to tackle poverty and homelessness through direct service.
You might find yourself helping someone find the perfect outfit for an interview or serving up a hot breakfast in the dining room. It’s a place where you aren’t just a helper, but a neighbor standing in solidarity with women and children.
One thing to keep in mind is that their individual volunteer roles require a weekly commitment for at least three months.
This means they don’t have one-time volunteer spots open for individuals, which can be a bummer if your schedule is super unpredictable. But if you can swing it, the impact is huge.
Customer Reviews:
Options And Places
I have never been here for services they offer. I donate items such as clothes, diapers, and hygeine. I Iearned about this place from people who have utilized them. Very thankful there are options and places for these women to go. Temporary sleeping time, laundry, meals etc. Remember to please be kind to others.
Thank you
- Gina Cordova | Google Review
Really Resourceful Non Profit
The gathering place is a really resourceful non profit agency. From women’s clothing, to infant diapers, this place is a 1 stop shop for women and transgenders, that are on the move and need a little help in the metro Denver area. Stop by, donate, share and learn.
- Brittany Marlett | Google Review
3. Giving Machine #LightTheWorld
Website: https://givingmachinesdenver.org/
Address: 105 Fillmore St, Denver, CO 80206
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Available 24/7
Giving Machine allows us to rethink how we donate. The machine model makes it incredibly easy, letting you purchase specific items for people in need.
Every cent you spend goes directly to the chosen nonprofits because external sponsors cover all administrative fees.
Last winter, I took my family to Fillmore Plaza to use one of these machines. Picking out warm blankets for a local shelter was a profoundly memorable way to give back to the community.
While it’s an engaging concept, the machines are only available during a short seasonal window from mid-November to early January.
You also have to be physically present to participate and are strictly limited to the pre-selected items stocked.
Customer Reviews
All Worthwhile Charities
Where else can you purchase a beehive for someone as a Christmas gift? Or blankets, or a goat, lamb, or needed supplies. We go every year to these machines. All worthwhile charities and 100% goes toward it, except the card fee, which you can also choose to cover.
- Peter Rasmussen | Google Review
4. Denver Dream Center
Website: https://www.denverdreamcenter.org/
Address: 2165 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80205
Contact: [email protected] ; (720) 510-9113
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 4:00pm; Friday: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Reaching out to people where they are is the core mission of Denver Dream Center.
They mobilize volunteers through proactive, street-level programs like “Adopt-A-Block” to bring resources and support directly into the neighborhoods that need them most.
You could be out on the pavement handing out groceries or mentoring a kid who needs a positive role model in their life. It’s very much about building relationships on the ground and showing people that their city hasn’t forgotten them.
Just be aware that many of the volunteer roles involve direct, on-the-ground neighborhood outreach. This might not be the right fit if you’re looking for behind-the-scenes or office work where you stay in one place.
Instead, it’s a high-energy environment that requires you to be comfortable talking to strangers and being active outdoors.
Customer Reviews:
Truly An Amazing Place
The Denver Dream Center is truly an amazing place! I had the honor to serve dinner with my church outreach team (Thrive Lonetree) , along with so many other volunteers last Thursday evening!
If you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference I recommend The Denver Dream Center. They are always looking for volunteers!
- Alfonso | Google Review
Fantastic Non Profit
What a fantastic non profit serving downtown Denver and area in need.
Many programs to serve individuals and families in need. Always looking to partner with you or your group. Reach out and they will allow you to experience the true joy of love and caring for others in our community ♥️
- Mark Regalado | Google Review
5. Project Angel Heart
Website: http://www.projectangelheart.org/
Address: 4950 Washington St, Denver, CO 80216
Contact: (303) 830-0202
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm; Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
There’s something so special about the smell of a professional kitchen working toward a good cause. Project Angel Heart relies on a huge network of volunteers to prep and hand-deliver thousands of medically tailored meals every week.
I spoke with one of their kitchen leads recently, and the care they put into every single tray is just incredible. Whether you’re chopping veggies or driving a delivery route, you’re literally providing medicine through food.
One minor annoyance is that the meal delivery and distribution roles are tied to specific, scheduled regional routes.
This doesn’t leave much flexibility if you’re looking to deliver outside those set areas or times, which can be tricky for busy professionals. But if you can find a slot that fits your commute, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.
Customer Reviews:
Providing Free Meals
If your looking for a place to volunteer this is it!
Amazing organization providing free meals to people that can’t cook or get groceries on their own. I recently started volunteering here and this org proved 3 meals a day to residents in Colorado spanning from Pueblo to Ft. Collins.
They have so many ways to volunteer at their facility, delivering the meals, decorating the meal bags, food prep, and more.
- Marissa Poppens | Google Review
Great For An Introvert
I volunteered with Project Angel Heart through my work and it was a great experience! We assembled some meals and chatted with each other. It was impactful and pretty easy, great for an introvert like me!!
- Michelle W | Google Review
